First Safe & Sound Bridges Complete

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1 A Publication for Employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation First Safe & Sound Bridges Complete story by Bob Brendel, photos by Cathy Morrison Spring is the favorite time of year for mushroom hunters, but for the Missouri Department of Transportation there were more than rare Morels popping up around the state. By Mother s Day, 12 Safe & Sound bridge projects had been completed (at least one in each MoDOT district), with another 95 under contract. The first 12 projects were completed, on average, five days early as MoDOT and its partner contractors worked to minimize the inconvenience caused by road closures. When this issue of went to press, final proposals and bids from Missouri Bridge Builders and KTU Constructors had been received and were being evaluated for award of the design-build portion of the program that will replace 554 bridges. The first Safe & Sound project to reopen was the Route AA bridge over Hominy Creek in Polk County. MoDOT Director Pete Rahn presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony that also included MHTC Chairman Mike Kehoe and MHTC Commissioner Grace Nichols, and Polk County Associate Commissioner Billy Dryer. We made a commitment to Missourians that we would improve hundreds of the state s worst bridges, and we are delivering on that promise, said Rahn. MoDOT is addressing more bridges than we ever have before thanks to the Safe & Sound initiative, as well as the normal bridge work scheduled in our five-year construction program, ongoing corridor work, and now recovery act projects. The project, which began in February, was completed 60 days later on April 23. The bridge was re-decked by Burk Bridge Co. of Brookline, Mo., and was the typical bridge on the Safe & Sound program 142 feet long and 43 years old. continued on page 4 He thanked residents, emergency responders and the Halfway schools for their patience during the bridge closure. I-44 Conway Welcome Center Showcases Modern Amenities, With Nod to Route 66 Heritage by Bob Edwards "No matter the price, No matter how new, The best safety device In the car is you." Burma Shave signs on westbound ramp to I-44 at Conway Welcome Center The blend of new and old at the I-44 Welcome Center near Conway modern restrooms and other amenities and a historic U.S. Route 66 atmosphere drew rave reviews from folks who streamed in after the ramps were opened to traffic Monday, May 4. The new Conway Welcome Center features a Route 66 theme and amenities casual and commercial travelers will enjoy. Steve Turner "Nice. Very nice," said Ron Vaughan from Boston, Mass. "I think people will stop to see this sort of thing." "It's beautiful, said Keith Phillips of Portola, Calif., the first trucker to pull in on the eastbound side and park in one of the 150 truck parking spaces (75 on each side). "I like the idea of the whole thing," Fred Hoffmann of Champaign, Ill., said. He motioned toward the old-time storefronts on the picnic shelters as he mounted his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. "Clean and secure," said Susan Jones of Pauls Valley, Okla., adding that a playground like the one installed at the welcome center would have been nice to have available at the old rest area when her children were young. The transformation to a welcome center cost $10.8 million in federal enhancement funds. The project involved razing the rest area buildings and putting up new, larger buildings with more restroom facilities continued on page 2 Lawmakers Overlook Primary Seat Belt Law by Pete Rahn Our top priority for 2009 was to save lives on Missouri roads by strengthening the seat belt law to allow for primary enforcement. Unfortunately, HB 665 was stalled in a committee and never brought for debate or a vote. I am deeply saddened and disheartened that Missouri lawmakers refused action on this life-saving legislation, despite the lives that could have been saved and the more than 3,000 Missourians who signed up as partners and supporters. It s heartbreaking to think of the families that may lose loved ones this year in a traffic crash needlessly. Or of those who will suffer debilitating injuries needlessly. I have spoken out about the importance of this law since becoming MoDOT Director. Over the last four years, 360 lives could have been saved. MoDOT will continue to actively advocate for allowing law enforcement officers to do their jobs to enforce the seat belt law already in place. We want to see Missouri take its place with the 28 other states that continued on page 2 I n side 5New New Opportunities External Civil Rights will operate as its own division 7 Clean Sweep Sweeper truck cleans up chip seal process in District 2 8 Interchange Talk turns into dirt in District 3 10 International News District 5 featured in Japan and France 14 High Places Fall Protection Training in District 9

2 MoDOT Welcomes New Commissioner The Missouri Department of Transportation welcomes Joe Carmichael of Springfield to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. He was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon, confirmed by the Missouri Senate and officially sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Mike Wolff on May 5. Mr. Carmichael s legal background and leadership experience will make him a valuable member of the commission, said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn. I m excited to work with him and look forward to drawing upon his expertise as we make the important decisions that shape the state s transportation system. Carmichael is president and manager of the Springfield law firm Carmichael & Neal PC. Carmichael will serve a sixyear term, which expires March 8, He replaces Jim Anderson of Springfield, whose term on the commission ended March 1. Hayti resident Duane Michie s term on the commission also was up March 1. He will continue to serve until a replacement is named. MoDOT Employees Honor Our Own Fundraising efforts raise $5,200 Shaun Schmitz Primary Results continued from page 1 have passed this law, including our neighbors Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee and Oklahoma. I know many of you showed support by wearing an Arrive Alive shirt, contacting your legislator, or working to educate lawmakers about HB665. I d like to thank each one of you for your work and your passion. I encourage you to make sure your loved ones buckle up, and I hope you ll continue to spread the message of the importance of wearing a seat belt, and of a primary seat belt law in Missouri. Employees raised more than $5,200 during Work Zone Awareness Week and the month of April to honor our own with a fallen workers memorial. Senior Structural Engineer David Straatmann serves barbecue as part of the Bridge division fundraiser April 7. The memorial will honor 128 employees killed in the line of duty since Memorial construction will rely solely on individual donations and employee contributions to fund the project. Cathy Morrison Design division raised $638 with a Ballpark day on April 10 at Central Office. Design is also selling Honor Our Own T-shirts and has already sold more than 1,300 T-shirts. Bridge division held a barbecue fundraiser on April 7 at Central Office. More than 400 plates of food were served raising $1,600 to contribute toward the fund. System Management organized a work zone raffle featuring Royals and Cardinals baseball tickets. The raffle raised more than $3,000. Doug Struemph from transportation planning won two sets of Royals tickets. He requested one set be given to the family of one of MoDOT s fallen workers. They were given to Amanda and David Spohr. Amanda s father Mike York was killed on I-670 in KC in June of On Saturday, June 13, there will be a Ride for Remembrance that will include a poker-style motorcycle run. Tentative plans also include a barbecue, 5K race and other activities at the Jefferson City stop. Organizers of the project hope to have enough funds raised by April 2010 to design the memorial and to move forward with construction. If you would like to make a contribution to the fund for the memorial, make your check payable to State Highway & Transportation Employees Association of Missouri and mail to: District 7 Highway Credit Union Attn: Dave B. Taylor 3901 East 32nd Street, Suite A Joplin, Mo Respect Honor and Remember MoDOT Fallen Workers Memorial The shirt shown above is available for purchase in grey or white, size S to 5X. The back contains the names of the fallen workers. To order, please contact Jessica Keathley at (573) or Mary Ann Jacobs at (573) Conway Welcome Center continued from page 1 2 and a tourist information center. The facility also has triple the truck parking, better lighting, pet walk areas with waste disposal containers, Route 66 history display boards with photographs, the old highway's route across eight states traced on a terrazzo floor, "Burma Shave" safe-driving signs and 1950s-era neon signs out front. The welcome center features considerable green technology automatic sinks and toilets in the restrooms to conserve water, small wind turbines to power lights over the information counters, a ground source heat pump system for heating and air conditioning and a modern wastewater treatment plant. "Everything we've heard so far is positive," said Roadside Management Specialist Rand Swanigan from the MoDOT Central Office. He helped develop the Route 66 theme, providing a regional connection to encourage travelers to visit nearby communities. Springfield area s District Engineer Kirk Juranas welcomes guests at the dedication ceremony of the new Conway Welcome Center. Sections of old Route 66 that parallel I-44 are designated as Laclede and Webster County Route CC and Laclede County Route W. Auto and history buffs come from all over the world to drive the old highway between Chicago, Ill., and Santa Monica, Calif. A dedication ceremony opening day featured classic cars provided by area auto clubs and individuals, performances by the Conway High School band and choir, reminiscences by a Missouri Route 66 Association officer and words of thanks from Conway Mayor Larry Cunningham. Visitors included two MoDOT retirees in the Conway area, Lloyd Hendrix and Jim Hendrix, who helped build the original rest area which opened in MoDOT Chief Engineer Kevin Keith said the new Conway wel- come center is a showpiece for the state. "I couldn't be more proud of all the folks who worked on it," he said. Key planners included District 8 Project Manager Chad Zickefoose and Area Engineer Jim Blackburn. District 9 senior construction inspectors David Prock and Darin Pryor inspected the work, with oversight by Rolla Resident Engineer Vickie Woods. Superintendent Hal Brenton of Emery Sapp and Sons of Columbia, the prime construction contractor, said the welcome center was a good project to have. "And I loved being out of traffic!" The Conway Welcome Center, one of the busiest rest areas in the state, is the third to be transformed into a welcome center. The center on I-44 at Joplin opened in November 2007 and the facility on I-35 near Eagleville opened in February 2008.

3 Keeping it Green story by Sean Madden, photos by Cathy Morrison MoDOT Reveals Top 10 Work Zones To Look Out For The warm and windy weather provided a great day for the Jefferson City Earth Day celebration on the Capitol lawn. The Missouri Department of Transportation sponsored a large exhibit at the event on April 24. In addition to receiving a seedling, visitors played an environmental ring toss game to learn more about No MOre Trash! and Adopt-A-Highway and they signed a litter pledge that encouraged them to tell their friends, families and Just like Late Night With David Letterman, the Missouri Department of Transportation has come up with a top 10 list of its own: the top 10 work zones most likely to cause traffic delays this travel season. the Bowen pedestrian bridge to be compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Construction work begins in fall Union bridges will be closed in spring Every student who attended Earth Day was urged to sign a litter pledge, vowing to not litter and keep Missouri clean of trash. Everyone who visited was given a white pine seedling and encouraged to plant it in their yard to enjoy the tree s beauty. More than 3,000 seedlings were handed out to children and adults. MoDOT had plenty of activities to engage kids as part of the celebration. Everyone who attended the Earth Day celebration could get a white pine seedling to plant in his or her yard. MoDOT gave away over 3,000 seedlings throughout the day. neighbors about how to make Missouri litter free. Mother Nature cooperated, and the Capitol lawn was a beautiful place to host an educational and fun event, Roadside Management Supervisor Stacy Armstrong said. I think the kids who attended got a lot out of it. The event is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and is designed to encourage children to take care of their environment. A variety of state agencies participate in the event to help educate students and spread awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources. Taking care of the environment doesn t just benefit the animals, Armstrong said. Keeping roads and waterways in Missouri clean provides more beautiful places for us to work and play. David Humphrey, motorcycle crash survivor, tells how a helmet saved his life in a motorcycle crash at a press conference May 20 in Jefferson City. At the event, Director Pete Rahn announced survey results showing Missourians support a mandatory helmet law by more than a 9-to-1 ratio and urged Gov. Nixon to veto a recent repeal of the mandatory law. Cathy Morrison The list of the state s top 10 work zones to look out for is ranked in order of impact based on traffic volume, amount of work and level of delay. A clickable map showing the top 10 work zones, along with a printable version of the map and project information, can be found at Top 10 Work Zones To Look Out For in St. Louis - Interstate 64 from Kingshighway to I-170. All lanes of I-64 and several interchanges are closed for reconstruction work. Work will be around the clock, and includes work on interchanges and overpasses through late St. Joseph Kansas City 2 4 Joplin 7 9 Jefferson City Springfield Hannibal Columbia 2. Kansas City - kcin: Interstate 29/35 reconstruction. Interstate 29/35 from Route 210/Armour Road to the northeast corner of the downtown Kansas City central business district loop will have restricted lanes and various ramp closures through Springfield - Route 60/65 interchange reconstruction in Springfield. This project involves building two flyover ramps and new bridges over the railroad tracks, Lake Springfield and Route 60 on Route 65. The work will involve nighttime road closings, lane closings and traffic shifts. The project will be completed in October Kansas City - Route 71. Construction of a new interchange at 187th Street in Belton/Raymore; reconstruction of the 163rd Street interchange in Belton; reconstruction of the Route 150 interchange. Route 71 expected to be congested from 140th Street in Grandview to just north of Route J in Peculiar through the end of the year. 5. St. Louis - Interstate 55 from 4500 South Broadway to Lindbergh. This project will replace the Union bridges, rehabilitate the Holly Hills and Delor bridges and upgrade Cooper County Interstate 70, from Route B (mile marker 103) near Boonville to the Saline County line. Westbound lanes will be resurfaced beginning in the summer months and ending fall Motorists should expect lane closures and possible delays during daytime and night hours. 7. Springfield - Route 13/I-44 Diverging Diamond Interchange in Springfield. This project converts the existing interchange to a diverging diamond interchange with traffic criss-crossing at the traffic signals on either end of the Route 13 interchange over I-44. The Route 13 bridge deck will also be repaired. Drivers should expect traffic shifts and lane closings at night. Route 13 over I-44 will be closed for an entire weekend before opening to the diverging diamond configuration. The project is scheduled to be completed July 10, Pemiscot County - Interstate 55. The project includes resurfacing the northbound lanes from St. Louis the Arkansas state line to north of Route U. The Route 84 northbound off-ramp pavement will be Cape Girardeau replaced. During 60 work, northbound 8 and southbound traffic will be shifted to use the southbound lanes only. Work is expected to begin in July, with completion expected by fall Resurfacing Route 65 from Route 36 to I-70. Resurfacing nearly 73 miles across three counties of Route 65 from Route 36 to I-70. This Better Roads, Brighter Future Project includes centerline and edgeline rumble strips. The project also includes ramps at the Route 65 and I-70 interchange. To rehabilitate the Blackwater River Bridge south of Marshall in Saline County, northbound traffic has been shifted to the southbound lanes, reducing traffic to one lane in both directions. The work will be completed early this fall. 10. Pulaski County - I-44 eastbound lane from Route 17 to one mile west of Route 28. This project consists of three miles of surface milling and grinding to remove excess material from cracks and joints in the pavement. Six miles of overlay will then be added to the surface. I-44 will be restricted to one lane of traffic in the eastbound direction. 3

5 Across the State CentralOffice Changes and New Opportunities in Diversity Divisions The External Civil Rights unit at MoDOT has been moved from the Constructions and Materials Division to now function as its own division. Lester Woods continues as the director and reports to the Director of Program Delivery. This move allows the unit s important outreach and partnership programs to expand. This move will help MoDOT deliver even better results from our external civil rights programs, such as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participations and partnering with the communities we serve, said Director Pete Rahn. Lester Woods, External Civil Rights Director The division will continue to expand statewide opportunities for minorities, women and economically disadvantaged individuals in the heavy highway construction industry. I m excited to see External Civil Rights operate in MoDOT as a division, and David Williams, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Division Acting Director looking forward to working with MoDOT senior management to creatively look at ways to increase contracting opportunities, said Woods. With the retirement of Brenda Treadwell-Martin, changes have also taken place in the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Division. David Williams serves as acting director, continuing EODD s role of increasing diversity at MoDOT. Recruitment is under way to permanently fill the EODD Director position through the competitive job fill process. Under a permanent director, this division will remain within the System Facilitation Team wheel, and the new director will continue to report to the Chief Financial Officer. The organizational changes demonstrate the department s commitment to diversity, said Williams. It s an exciting time at MoDOT and I m looking forward to the opportunity to advance the department as an inclusive work environment where equal and equitable opportunities exist for all employees. Controller s Office Knows How to Communicate Staff Wins Prestigious Award for Annual Report by Kristi Jamison Financial Services staff members in the Controller s Office have received the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Missouri Department of Transportation/Missouri Transportation Finance Corporation for its comprehensive annual financial report. Senior Financial Services Specialists Christina Wilkerson and Mary Sue Fontana, as well as Financial Services Manager Bev Schepers prepared the MTFC s most recent financial statements. Preparing the CAFR was a great learning experience, said Christina Wilkerson of the Controller s Office. I appreciate the attention it has brought to the importance of financial reporting. To win an award, the report had to demonstrate a constructive spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate the entity s financial story and motivate potential users to read it. The MTFC is a nonprofit organization that provides direct loans for transportation projects within Missouri. It is housed within the Resource Management Division. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with office in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Christina Wilkerson, left, accepts an Excellence in Financial Reporting award issued by the GFOA on behalf of the Controller s Division. Presenting her with the award is Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioner David Gach. Also attending the award presentation is Debbie Rickard, Controller. Cathy Morrison General Service Manager Honored With Manager of the Year Award Rebecca Jackson, General Services procurement manager, received the Manager of the Year Award-2008 (large entity) from the Missouri Association of Public Purchasing. She was presented the award during a luncheon May 14 at the MAPP Spring Conference, at the Country Club Hotel and Spa in Lake Ozark. The award is given to a person in a management capacity that has exhibited high standards of professionalism and ethics and made significant Editor Laura Holloway Phone W. Capitol Avenue P.O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO contributions and provided outstanding service to both MAPP and their organization. Jackson is happy to be recognized, and credits General Services staff for the success of the division. A great deal of the criteria used to select a manager of the year is based upon the manager s achievements. I consider myself simply the conduit and many of our improvements are attributed to the work and ideas presented by our staff here in Central Office as well as the procurement staff in the ten districts, said Jackson. Without them, I would not have received this award. The Missouri Association of Public Purchasing, Inc. is a chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. The objectives of this chapter are to establish cooperative relationships among its members for the development of efficient purchasing methods and practices in the field of Education, Governmental and Public Institutional Procurement. MoDOT Day at Thomas Jefferson Middle School Brian Nevins, a transportation engineer with FHWA, led Thomas Jefferson Middle School students in a game of Survivor May 12. MoDOT is a Partner in Education with the school and offered multiple interactive presentations to show students the many opportunities in transportation. 5

6 Ac r o s s t h e St a t e D1 Northwest Last Month in the Northwest District We then divided the MoDOT employees into small groups, with each group going to a specific table. Every 20 minutes, music was played and employees had to get up and go to the next table on their right. We had a little fun with the music by using songs with the word highway or bridge or road in the lyrics. Then there was Take Our Children to Work Day, which set a new high standard for fun and education. Not only did parents and their children get an opporutnity to compete in the Adopt-AHighway sack race, they also saw firsthand how the Materials Lab works. Holly L. Murphy Holly L. Murphy The self-described Albany High School Seatbelt Sisters won the most improved usage award with their increase of percent. They have decided to give their winnings to charity. experienced. The fact that the children were building them with spaghetti macaroni and tiny marshmallows only heightened the challenge. Throughout the month of April, we tried something new with our spring meetings. Instead of the usual four-hour presentation, we set up five tables that featured employee services. There were district engineer to share information and concerns. M. Elaine Justus The Department of Conservation was a genuine star attraction. MoDOT employees learned about the latest hunting and fishing regulations, but they also heard explanations about why turkey and quail populations are declining. The agents shared a lot of printed materials about spiders, poison ivy, and snakes: all topics of daily life for our crew members during the summer. They even put to rest a number of rumors such about themselves such as repopulating rattlesnakes by dropping them from helicopters in the river bluffs. Consensus is that we should be sure to include the Department of Conservation in all our future meetings. Each group numbered about six to ten people, which gave everyone an opportunity to engage people in dialogue. Some of them got a chance to talk directly with the M. Elaine Justus The challenges Bridge Engineers have to face when they design and build bridges was something else they representatives from the departments of Benefits, Payroll, Work/Life, the Employees Advisory Council, and Safety. For one of the remaining tables, we gave employees the opportunity to talk to the district engineer and assistant district engineer. The seventh and last table was reserved for agents from the Department of Conservation. Holly L. Murphy May was a very busy month in the Northwest District for a number of reasons. First of all, we got the opportunity to present cash prizes to our top two area high schools in the Battle of the Belt competition. Last year, only seven schools participated, but this year more than 22 got involved. Taking the award for highest overall usage was Gallatin High School who turned in a score of percent. Holly L. Murphy by M. Elaine Justus Poster Contest Winner 6 Holly L. Murphy Holly L. Murphy by M. Elaine Justus Community Relations Manager Phone 3602 North Belt Highway St. Joseph, MO M. Elaine Justus Stephanie Ramer, fifth-grade student at Albany Elementary School, had her poster chosen as second-place winner in the 2009 National Missing Chidren s Day Poster Contest. It will be placed in all rest areas in Districts 1, 7 and 4. My poster is the praying hands in the middle of the earth. I formed this idea because everyone wants their child or children home. I hope this poster will encourage people to bring them home.

7 Across the State NorthCentral Work, Work by Tammy Wallace and More Work! The district is already seeing the benefits of the maintenance and construction work being done this season, and some projects are already completed. Work was completed on Route 41 in Saline County where 10 miles of roadway was resurfaced and two bridges were rehabilitated. Kurt Wengert The construction season is underway and the district s Projects Brochure is available to give motorists a heads up on construction in north central Missouri. Community Relations Tammy Wallace Phone Route 63 P.O. Box 8 Macon, MO The brochure is posted on the Web site in a printable version and copies are available through our customer service center. The brochure and Web site give detailed information on major corridors such as Route 36, 63 and 65, and includes work on the minor road system as well. Several of the minor road projects are noted as being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Six of our major projects will have designated web pages allowing customers to follow the progress of the projects, view detailed status information, construction schedules and photos. The featured projects are: Route 36 Expansion Glasgow Bridge Miami Bridge Alternate Route 63 Route 65 Improvements Safe and Sound Bridge Program All roadwork in the district, both construction and maintenance, is listed by county on the Web. Roadwork information by county is updated Monday through Friday and our featured projects will be updated as changes occur. More on the Brochure & Web One of the new highlighted projects in the brochure and on the Web this year Rehabilitation of the Blackwater River Bridge is part of the Route 65 work. is the more than $20 million dollars of work to the Route 65 corridor. Three separate contracts will have simultaneous work zones across three counties as resurfacing and bridge work provide motorists a smoother, safer ride by late fall. These Better Roads Brighter Future Projects include centerline rumble strips and edge line rumble strips for added safety. Updated project information and photos can be found on the Web site. The first Safe & Sound Bridge opens in the District. Six others are under construction. One down, 74 to go! The first Safe & Sound Bridge in the district, Route C in Schuyler County, closed March 23 to replace the deteriorated deck. The bridge opened on April 28, well under the allowed 45- day scheduled closure. This was the fifth Safe & Sound Bridge in the state to be completed. A new twist on the chip seal this year is working with the sweeper truck. This piece of equipment purchased by the statewide prototype team is being used in the district before being passed along for others to use across the state. According to Maintenance Supervisor Dale Niece, a member of the prototype The first Chip Seal operation began on Monday, May 4, with maintenance crews chip sealing Route H in Howard and Randolph counties between Route 124 and Route B. This is the first of 228 miles of chip sealing to be done in the district this year. Crews chip seal the first route in the district, Route H in Howard and Randolph Counties. This is the first of 228 miles to be done this year. More about those Chip Seals team, the sweeper will follow milling and chip seal processes, picking up the millings and chips and putting them back in the truck to be used again. This The sweeper truck works to place the materials back in the truck for recycling. process saves money by allowing the material to be recycled. Kevin Mullins Dale Niece Shane Viers 7

8 Across the State Northeast Partners Break Ground for New Interchange It s been nearly a decade since talk began about a development and subsequent interchange needed in southern Lincoln County. On April 8, 2009, talk turned into dirt at the official ground breaking for an interchange at Route 61 and Route U in Moscow Mills. U.S. Senator Christopher S. Kit Bond headlined the event, signifying its importance of safety and economic viability for the region. The interchange became a reality when Crossroads Center, Inc. and MoDOT secured a cost-share partnership. Along with the City of Moscow Mills, Lincoln County officials, and elected federal and state officials, dignitaries alike officially broke ground while the contractor began blasting operations across the highway. Already, the significant construction project is well under way, and this stretch of Route 61 is a work zone. MoDOT continues to work with area leaders to improve safety and relieve congestion along the four-lane highway. U.S. 61 through Lincoln County is a major commuter route into St. Louis that has been growing rapidly in the last ten years, explained NE District Engineer Paula Gough. One interchange at Route 61 and Route C in Moscow Mills was opened in September In addition to the one at Route U, another interchange in Troy at South Lincoln Drive and Route 61 is programmed. Planning is also under way to work toward construction of outer roads that will allow local residents easier and safer access to businesses in both communities. The new interchange is expected to open in the Fall of Bridges to Somewhere To recognize the expedience of completing Safe & Sound bridges, as well as publicly thanking area residents, the Northeast District has been celebrating the first bridge completed in each county. Three bridges in northeast Missouri have been completed since the first one went under construction in March.. Since the bridges are in remote rural areas and the roads have been closed for several weeks, the contractors have been good about opening them to traffic as soon as possible, leaving only some Rick Domzalski, transportation project manager, Macy Rodenbaugh, construction and materials engineer, Kevin McGartland, senior construction inspector, and Ervin Fackler, area engineer, officially open Route M over Lost Creek Diversion in Lincoln County. Pounding the Pavement A statewide contract to crush concrete slabs for recycling is already benefitting motorists along northeast Missouri roads. About 500 square yards of concrete slabs has been crushed, we ve already used some for erosion control along Route P in Lewis County, minor finishing work, explained Macy Rodenbaugh, construction and materials engineer. The first bridge, Route M in Lincoln County, opened right on schedule. Macy said there has been little negative feedback about the roads being closed, and even though the inconvenience has been felt by locals, they understand that trying to do this faster saves money. Even though the bridges have opened on schedule, weather has played a factor in delaying some of the final work. Some of these creeks are full, making it difficult to finish the project, yet we were able to get them open to traffic, he added. explained Maintenance Superintendent Randy Shubert. The concrete was removed from various sections of Routes 61 and 36 over the last few years. Randy is glad MoDOT is providing the best value for every dollar spent by recycling material. 8 Federal, state and local officials, along with Crossroads Center, Inc., MoDOT and its contractor, Iron Mountain, Inc., turned dirt at the official ground breaking for a new interchange at U.S. 61 and Route U in Lincoln County. The project is a cost-share between MoDOT and Crossroads Center, Inc. and is expected to be completed in Fall Since fast food leftovers, like wrappers, cups and sacks are the most frequented visitor left on Missouri roadsides, managers from the Northeast District teamed up with various restaurants to Trash Bash at nine drive-thrus throughout the district. Literature was distributed showing the length of time it takes various items to decompose, along with a trash bag for the car. Community Relations Manager Marisa Brown Phone Route 61 South P.O. Box 1067 Hannibal, MO Lincoln County Journhal Marisa Brown, community relations manager, Trash Bashed in Troy at Kentucky Fried Chicken, handing out information about littering and buckling up. A statewide contract to crush concrete slabs is already benefitting motorists on northeast Missouri roads. After the concrete is crushed, it is being used for erosion control on areas like Route P in Lewis County shown by Canton Maintenance Supervisor Tony Morrall.

9 Ac r o s s t h e St a t e KansasCityArea Hosts Big Truck Night by Kerri Lewis The chatter of little voices and the pit-pat of tiny feet eager to see the big orange trucks were a sure sign of a successful 2009 Big Truck Night event in April. More than 600 attendees came to the office to get up close and personal with construction and other MoDOT vehicles. Thirteen trucks including a Sweeper, Tow Plow, Hybrid Truck, Sign Truck, two Dump Trucks, Tanker, Motorist Assist Vehicle, Rotograder, Litter Picker, Voice Van, Fire Truck and Bomb Squad Truck played host to the many curious attendees. A scavenger hunt made learning fun, as participants were able to see what each truck or vehicle does on a dayto-day basis. The smell of burgers and hotdogs filled the air, tempting all to enjoy a meal for a good cause. Through a generous donation of food and services from Superior Vendall, more than $900 was raised for the MoDOT Fallen Workers Memorial. Since 1946, 128 MoDOT employees have been killed in the line of duty and plans are under way to create a statewide memorial just to the west of MoDOT s Central Office, near the Capitol in Jefferson City to honor all of these men and women. Now, has helped raise money to erect this great memorial. In addition to the food and trucks, those who stopped by were also treated to many informational booths. From Petco offering information on properly and safely strapping your loving K9 into a car with a specialized car seat, to Parents as Teachers, Adopt-A-Highway, and kcin, attendees received a wide variety of goodies. Many participated in a digging for treasure activity with Kids from every age enjoyed themselves at Big Truck Night. Above, Heather Tice spoke of her accident that left her paralyzed to help push for the Primary Safety Belt Law. Construction and Materials, while others flashed a temporary MoDOT tattoo. Many even donned their dancing shoes for the Get Your Buckle On dance that was videotaped for entry into the statewide contest. Safety also played an important role throughout the event. Those brave enough took a ride on the Seat Belt Convincer, a contraption that simulates a low-impact crash, to convince everyone about the importance of wearing a seat belt. Several took the opportunity to become a seat belt partner in support of passing the Primary Safety Belt Law. A rally took place at 6 p.m. with Heather Tice, a traffic crash survivor, who spoke about her brush with death when she was not wearing a seat belt. She explained the consequences she has had to face since her accident and her life in a wheel chair after being paralyzed. Bicycle safety was a hit with the kids as they learned about the importance of paying attention and wearing the appropriate safety gear. Three visitors were lucky enough to win a bike and they were: Ashley O neil, Independence Mo.; Andy Huffman, Lee s Summit Mo., and Ethan Guo, Overland Park Kansas. With such a high attendance and everyone so eager to learn about MoDOT and all the big trucks, we look forward to doing this again. Look for another Big Truck Night event to hit the district in the future. Ribbon Cutting for First Safe & Sound Bridge by Steve Porter The first Safe & Sound bridge repair project to be completed in the Kansas City area opened on May 7 in rural Johnson County, signaling a major step forward in replacing or repairing most of the state s worst bridges. This ambitious program to upgrade our most troubled bridges is off to a spectacular start, said Assistant District Engineer Chris Redline. We have Safe & Sound projects underway or about to begin in several counties in our eight-county Kansas City District. When we re through, 140 of our District s worst bridges will be safe and sound for the next two decades. The Route OO Bridge over Honey Creek in Johnson County re-opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site. Joining Redline at the ceremony were Johnson County Presiding Commissioner Bill Brenner, and Commissioners Scott Sader and Destry Hough. Boone Construction Co. was awarded the $323,424 contract to fix the Route OO Bridge. The bridge is the first of MoDOT s statewide Safe & Sound Bridge Program in the Kansas City District to be completed, and among 18 in Johnson County and 145 in the area. 9 Above, the old Route OO Bridge in Johnson County was deteriorating rapidly. Below, representatives from MoDOT, county commissioners and representatives from Boone Construction cut the ribbon to signify the completion of s first Safe & Sound Bridge. Community Relations Manager Kristy Hill Phone NE Colbern Road Lee s Summit, MO 64086

10 Ac r o s s t h e St a t e Central MoDOT Holds Public Hearing for East Columbia Study by Holly Dentner this project right now, said District Planning Manager Mike Dusenberg. Completing the study now means we ll be ready when federal money becomes available. The Draft EIS evaluates how proposed roadway improvements could impact the natural and man-made environment in the area between Interstate 70 south to New Haven Road and Route 63 east to Route Z. The Draft EIS also identifies project goals and sets the stage to seek funding for design and construction of the proposed improvements. MoDOT partnered with the City of Columbia and Boone County for the study, and representatives were gathered at the public hearing on April 30 to discuss the findings of the draft environmental document. Even though the study determines a preferred option for transportation improvements, there is no funding for The preferred alternative was selected because it meets the purpose and need of the study when compared against the other alternatives, said Dusenberg. It is the most cost-effective option and has the smallest impact to human and natural environments. Kristin Gerber The East Columbia Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was presented for public review in April, offering people the chance to see what transportation options might best serve east Columbia. District Planning Manager Mike Dusenberg talks with Columbia area residents at the public hearing on April 30. The preferred alternative presented at the hearing proposes an extension of Route 740 (Stadium Blvd.) from the existing Route 63 interchange to St. Charles Road near the Lake of Around the District the Woods interchange at Interstate 70. New alignments and improvements to Route WW (Broadway) and Ballenger Lane are also proposed. The public comment period closed on May 18 and the study team will work on any revisions and submit the study to the Federal Highway Administration for approval. To review maps and other materials from the public hearing, log onto Mid-MO Bridge Gets International Attention as First Economic Stimulus Project MoDOT Director Pete Rahn met with district employees on May 7. Here, the district special crews listen as Rahn answers a question about motorcycle helmets and safety belt legislation. Shaun Schmitz 10 Area Engineer Erik Maninga, Maintenance Supervisor Butch Bradley and Intermediate Maintenance Worker Richard Skelton show off their innovations at this year s Tool & Equipment Challenge Showcase, held in Springfield on March 31. Community Relations Manager Kristin Gerber Phone Missouri Boulevard P.O. Box 718 Jefferson City, MO Senior Construction Inspector Dan Oesch (right) examines work at the Route 17 Bridge in Miller County. Crews are now excavating and constructing bridge supports. Print and broadcast media around the country picked up the story, but since then it has gone international. Both the Japan Broadcasting Network and Radio France Internationale interviewed Central District Engineer Roger Schwartze in April about the new bridge. Both organizations were interested in getting the local perspective on a project that represents our country s efforts to put people to work, said Schwartze. This is an opportunity for the state and MoDOT to show the world what great work we can do. As of early May, work is under way statewide on 12 economic stimulus projects, with 91 projects total across the state under contract. Central Missouri will see projects totaling nearly $54.7 million, including bridge and interchange improvements, resurfacing work, and new construction. Eric Schroeter Holly Dentner When the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the construction of a new Osage River Bridge on Route 17 near Tuscumbia last February, it became the first active project in the nation funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Governor Jay Nixon, MoDOT Director Pete Rahn, and other state and local officials joined the Commission at the bridge to watch as workers started the job. Eric Schroeter by Holly Dentner A view of the bridge construction from the south side of the Osage River.

11 Across the State St. LouisArea St. Louis Region Proudly Announces Winners of Battle of the Belt 2008 by Kara Price The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety in the St. Louis region and American Family Insurance honored two high school winners of the 2008 high school Battle of the Belt competition at an awards presentation held at each school. Battle of the Belt is a seat belt competition between Missouri high schools that was developed to reduce the number of motor-vehiclerelated injuries and fatalities among Missouri high school students by increasing their seat belt use. It was brought to Missouri by the Missouri Emergency Nurses Association and St. John s Hospital. Schools compete to increase seat belt use among students, thereby saving lives. Washington High School was recognized for the best production of a 30-second video public service announcement in the state of Missouri depicting a 30-second buckle up message geared for teens. This school was also honored for having the most improved percentage of safety belt usage in the St. Louis region with an 8.5 percent increase for the education/seat belt check component of the campaign. Washington High School received a total of $1,250 in prize money with checks presented to the winning school. St. Joseph s Academy was recognized for having the highest percentage of safety belt usage with 100 percent for the education/seat belt check component of the campaign in the state of Missouri and St. Louis region. St. Joseph s Academy received a total of $1,250 in prize money with checks presented to the winning school. More than 125 schools participated statewide from Sept. 15 to Nov, 21, The 2008 Battle of the Belt Challenge is sponsored by the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety and American Family Insurance. For more information on Battle of the Belt, the 2008 winners and the video public service announcement, visit www. savemoyouth.com. Washington High School awards presentation. MoDOT and Community Partners Pick Up Litter for No MOre Trash! Bash by Kara Price MoDOT, community partners and elected officials helped in making Missouri beautiful this spring to work toward a litter-free state. These partners picked up litter throughout April as part of the month-long, 2009 No MOre Trash! Bash, which is sponsored by the Missouri Departments of Transportation and Conservation. A media event was held in early April to kick off the initiative with support from MoDOT, Adopt-A-Highway Litter Removal Service of America Incorporated, St. Louis County, North County Incorporated, local elected officials and Adopt-A-Highway volunteers. These groups addressed the media and the public in front of a giant trash mound at a news conference in North County to enforce the importance of no littering and to keep Missouri clean as a litter-free state. These important partners picked up trash along a stretch of Interstate 70 at Bermuda Avenue in honor of the No More Trash! Bash following the news conference. Other departments and area teams within MoDOT were active in the No MOre Trash! Bash efforts throughout April, including picking up litter along the interstates with each area s community partners and Adopt-A-Highway volunteers. It s easy to help during the annual Bash by either scheduling your own pickup or attending local or state cleanup events. Last year, thousands of volunteers across Missouri collected more than 84,000 bags of trash from Missouri s streams and roadways to help make the Bash a success. Keeping litter off the roadways and out of the water is an important step in beautifying Missouri for another beautiful spring and summer. The news conference took place in front of a giant trash mound at the MoDOT Normandy Maintenance Building in North County. The goal of the annual No MOre Trash! Bash is to spread awareness of Missouri s litter problem and work toward a litter-free state. MoDOT wants to do more than just pick up trash by getting Missouri residents and tourists to stop littering, realize it is unhealthy and understand that it is against the law! Each year MoDOT spends more than $5 million to clear litter along highways throughout the state. The more than 3,900 Adopt-A-Highway volunteers and 3,500 Stream Team volunteers spend countless hours during the year to help keep Missouri beautiful, but litter still accumulates in streams and along roads. This April and beyond, be ever mindful of where you put your trash and think about the consequences of your actions, Armstrong said. Do your part and help Missourians save millions in tax dollars. For more information about the Bash and how you can do your part, visit 11 Community Relations Manager Marie Elliott Phone Woodlake Drive Chesterfield, MO St. Joseph s Academy awards presentation. The No MOre Trash! Bash kickoff event in the St. Louis region.

12 Across the State Southwest District 7 Wins Bridge Maintenance Tool Category of Tool & Equipment Challenge by Wendy Brunner-Lewis 12 When Regional Maintenance Supervisor Ron Combs submitted his Tool & Equipment Challenge entry for a bridge deck sealer in 2007, the district Tool & Equipment Challenge committee knew it was a great invention, but it didn t quite fit the categories for that year s challenge. The 2008 challenge, however, had a Bridge Maintenance Equipment category that fit Combs entry perfectly. Combs and his Special Crews co-workers won honorable mention in the state for the bridge deck sealer at the Showcase in March Special Crews began using the sealer six years ago to simplify the job of applying linseed oil, Star Macro and Pavon Indeck to bridge decks and parapets. Combs estimates it cost $5,000 to make the modifications. The machine sprays the sealants using air pressure, said Combs. The truck simply idles across the deck and sprays The bridge deck sealer won honorable mention. The bridge deck repair clamp won first in state, and earned the southern area $10,000. the product from its spray bars. The product is then broomed and squeegeed by a pull-behind screed box to allow the product to pool and fill the cracks, and remove the excess without runoff. In addition to earning an honorable mention for the bridge deck sealer, Combs and his crew won first in the state for their bridge deck repair clamp. That win garnered an extra $10,000 for Maintenance Superintendent Richard Arnall s area s budget. We started using the clamp in 2005 as a way to simplify repairing weep holes on bridges, said Special Crews Maintenance Crew Leader Skip Bailey. The weep holes tend to deteriorate first because of the water runoff and accumulation of snow-removal debris. They attached plywood to a 2x4 on the clamps and placed the clamps over the parapet. The weep holes are poured with concrete from the top of the deck rather than underneath. The clamps are removed once the concrete has cured. Bailey estimates it cost $150 to make the bridge deck repair clamp. One tool that didn t place at state but won in the regional challenge is Seneca Maintenance s brush grappler. We took an electric hydraulic motor, cylinders, hydraulic hose and some miscellaneous items and made a grappler that picks up brush and cleans drainage ditches in one operation, said Seneca Maintenance Supervisor Don Schofield. All for around $1,000. Schofield said before, they could haul five or six truckloads of debris a day, whereas now with the grappler they can haul five or six truckloads an hour. They began using the grappler in Maintenance Superintendent Tim Rice oversees the district s Tool & Equipment Challenge submissions, and he s The bucket grappler increases the amount of debris hauled to five or six truckloads an hour. impressed with the ingenuity of employees. Our employees are sharp, Rice said. They aren t afraid to make their jobs more efficient and to find ways to save money. I m glad we can reward them for thinking outside the box. Students Turn Classrooms Orange by Wendy Brunner-Lewis During Work Zone Awareness Week in April, District 7 held a contest for 4th, 5th and 6th graders to turn their classrooms orange. The students were challenged to be as creative as possible within their classrooms to show the importance of work zone safety. The winning classrooms won an ice cream party, trophy and safety package. First place winners were: 4th grade-neosho Christian School, Mrs. Coberley's class, 5th grade-pleasant Valley Elementary School, Carthage, Mrs. Havely's class, 6th grade-trinity Lutheran School, Freistatt, Mrs. Wolf's class. Other winners included Appleton City and Mark Twain elementary schools. Community Relations Manager Lori Marble Phone E. 32nd Street Joplin, MO The kids really got creative, said Customer Service Representative Dee Powell. One class made their entire classroom into a work zone with streets, signs and a skeleton flagger. Powell said the students were excited to learn about work zone safety. One little boy said he especially liked to see work zones because MoDOT has such cool equipment, Powell said. I asked him if his family slows down in work zones, and he said his mom goes slow until she s out of the work zone. The little boy even knew what the fine was for hitting a worker: 10,000 bucks, he said proudly. The 6th graders at Trinity Lutheran in Freistatt won first place.

13 Across the State 8 D SpringfieldArea Federal Recovery Act Money Going Quickly to Roads by Bob Edwards The first economic recovery act transportation project to be completed in Missouri was the resurfacing of Route 265 in Stone County just west of Branson, but there s plenty more work in the pipeline over the next three years. It s a shot in the arm, District Engineer Kirk Juranas said of the funds designed to keep people working or put more people to work. MoDOT employees benefit as do people who work for contractors. Definitely timely. About $43 million in economic recovery money has enabled the district to add projects that, when district funds are mixed in, will total $66 million. A major District 8 project that will use funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is the construction of a second bridge over Lake Taneycomo between Branson and Hollister and a roundabout on the Hollister side. It will cost $11 million. Juranas said the district will be challenged during this extremely busy time, even as MoDOT continues to face declining revenues: Recovery act projects are starting. The 3-1/2-year long, $57.1-million Route 60/65 project is starting. A significant amount of repairs on secondary roads is scheduled this summer. We re not sure where transportation funding is going, but we have to show the public we can do a great job with the funds they give us, he said. Statewide, MoDOT is responsible for handling $525 million in economic recovery funds for transportation system improvements. Another $263 million will be distributed through other agencies and programs. The economic recovery bill contains over $25 million in transportation funds to be distributed to the Ozarks Transportation Organization and other agencies for local transportation priorities, District Planning Manager Frank Miller said. Some of this money is going for sidewalks and trails, transit buses and facilities and airports. Some of the local agencies will spend their funds on the MoDOT system, Miller said. For example, the City of Springfield will use its funds for improvements to the National Avenue and James River Freeway interchange. Greene County will use its funds to help pay for the Route 65 six-laning. Design Veteran Retires by Angela Eden Senior Highway Designer Jim Rips Service: 27 years (Hired Sept. 1, 1984) Career: Design technician, ; intermediate design technician, ; highway designer, ; intermediate highway designer, ; Rips senior highway designer, 2002-present All in Design Community Relations Manager Bob Edwards Phone E. Kearney P.O. Box 868 Springfield, MO Biggest Challenge: Moving from manual drafting techniques to the computeraided design drafting programs Memorable Accomplishment: Lead designer for the four-laning projects on Route 65 north of Springfield and the intersection widening project at Glenstone Avenue and Chestnut Expressway Quote: It was quite a challenge going from the manual drafting to the CADD all the (computer) software you had to learn. Post-MoDOT Plans: Work in the family lighting business, more golf, more fishing, more poker. Also retiring: Ozark Senior Maintenance Worker Tom Hayes at Work Placing speed blocks on I-44 east of Lebanon (top photo) are Maintenance Crew Leader Dave Whitlock, left, and Maintenance Worker Robert Fox, both of the Sign Crew. Helping measure and locate is Highway Patrol Sgt. David Erb, a pilot who flies out of Troop G in Willow Springs. Explaining the types and sizes of rock that are used in asphalt mixes (middle photo) is Springfield Senior Materials Technician Teresa Nixon. She talks with fourth graders from Wanda Gray Elementary visiting MoDOT as part of the Springfield School District s Students Go to Work program in cooperation with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Discussing plans for the five-laning of Route 5 on the north side of Lebanon (bottom photo) is Transportation Project Designer Mark Mais, right. He visits with a Lebanon area resident at a design public hearing. The project is being funded through the federal economic recovery act. Talkin Transportation Call-In Radio Show KWTO 560 AM, Springfield 10-10:50 a.m. Wednesdays radiospringfield.com Bob Edwards 13

14 14 Across the State SouthCentral Employees Learn to Work Safely in High Places by Christi Turkleson Employees from the Licking Regional Bridge Crew, St. James and Willow Springs District Bridge Crews, and staff from Buildings and Grounds, and Signal and Lighting departments participated in Fall Protection Training on May 6. This was the first time District 9 used the class newly designed by Employee Development. The purpose of the course is to give employees guidelines for working six feet or more above the ground in a safe manner, and ensure they have the tools needed to meet MoDOT policy regarding fall protection. Senior Employee Development Specialist Ray Wood taught the 28 participants how to: n Recognize when fall protection measures are needed. n Control and/or eliminate fall hazards. n Recognize various types of fall protection and restraint systems. n Properly inspect, use and maintain fall protection and restraint systems. n React if there is a fall. According to Regional Maintenance Supervisor Curt Baldridge, this class was more structured and thorough for participants. One of the important things they stressed during the training was how to treat employees once you get them down after a fall. To slowly let their blood flow return and not just straighten them out, said Baldridge. He also said Wood stressed the importance of wearing the harness tight and secure and getting someone down within 15 minutes if a fall does occur. District Safety and Health Manager Darren Petrus emphasized the importance of Fall Protection Training. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in all industries, he said. Petrus also said there had not been an injury resulting from a fall in District 9 during his 15 years of service, in part due to fall protection training. Employees in District 9 take safety training seriously and understand how critical this training is to keeping them and their coworkers safe. We all want to make sure that each employee arrives home safe after a day at work, said Petrus. Regional Bridge Maintenance Supervisor Bill Brawley First South Central Safe & Sound Bridge Reopens Ahead of Schedule by Christi Turkleson Improvements to the Eleven Point Bridge on Route 17, Howell County were completed on April 24 a full week ahead of schedule. The Eleven Point Bridge, which had been closed Route 17- Pictured, from left: MoDOT Intermediate Construction Inspector Chris Moore, MoDOT Transportation Project Manager Robby Rakestraw, Howell County Northern Commissioner Bill Lovelace, MoDOT Resident Engineer Phill Knott, Area Resident Bridgett Neal, Howell County Southern Commissioner Mark Collins, MoDOT District Bridge Engineer Ed Hess. since March 2, was among the first three of 802 bridges in Missouri to be rehabilitated under the Safe & Sound bridge improvement program. The structure was built in 1958 and measures 248 feet long. According to South Central District Safe & Sound Coordinator Ed Hess, while the girders and columns were still in good condition, the deck had been patched repeatedly and was in poor condition. Improvements included replacing the deck and widening it by two feet. Eleven Point Bridge on Route 17 in Howell County The public was supportive of the project We can t thank the local residents enough for their patience and understanding, said Hess. Resident Engineer Phill Knott said thanks also go to L. Krupp Construction, Inc. and their crews. Working with the contractor and good teamwork. That s what it takes, said Knott. Residents in the area were on hand to see the bridge reopened. Associate County Commissioners Bill Lovelace and Mark Collins were among those celebrating. On behalf of the County Commissioners, I d like to thank MoDOT for improving the safety for our citizens, said Associate County Commissioner Lovelace. A second Safe & Sound bridge in the South Central District has been completed early. That structure is over Louse Creek on Route E in Oregon County and was completed in just 43 days with no customer service calls. Work replacing the bridge deck was completed by Joe s Bridge and Grading, at a cost of $222,052. Leo Warren, the Presiding Commissioner of Oregon County, was among those on hand for the bridge reopening. The South Central District is Looking Greener and Cleaner by Christi Turkleson The South Central District had many participants in April s No MOre Trash Bash. Hundreds of volunteers throughout the region picked up trash and helped to raise awareness about strategies to reduce litter. The largest group of collectors included participants in the Waynesville Pride Day Event Community Relations Manager Christi Turkleson Phone Old Springfield Road P.O. Box 220 Willow Springs, MO and employees of Crawford Electric Cooperative. Despite the early morning rain, more than 250 individuals participated in the 7th annual Waynesville Pride Day event on April 18th. Volunteers were surprised by how many beer cans, fast food wrappers and cigarette butts they found. Among the more unusual items found were fishing poles, a refrigerator, two couches, a recliner, a water heater, several old tables, about a dozen tires, and a 20 gallon drum of an unidentified liquid. Waynesville Park Board Chairman Roger Olney said more than 200 bags of trash were collected, and volunteers learned a valuable lesson. It s about creating ownerships, said Olney. According to Olney, the Park Board felt the event was a great success and they were happy to see so many young kids involved in the program this year. Waynesville wasn t the only area showing their pride in April. Employees of Crawford Electric Cooperative also participated in No MOre Trash Bash this April. The company has been part of the Adopt-a-Highway program for more than 10 years and collected approximately 50 bags during a pick-up on April 24. Crawford Electric Cooperatives Facilities Manager, Mike Biggins said the Cooperative extended their Adopt-a-Highway section by approximately three times the normal area - to a 2.4-mile stretch of Interstate 44 s North Service Road. Biggens said the event was successful, adding, employees like to get involved.

15 Across the State Southeast New Youth Safety Program Launched: 2009 Southeast Missouri Youth Initiative 12 Schools Taking the Initiative to Save Lives MSHP Sgt. Dale Moreland (far left) and Senior Community Relations Specialist Belinda McMurry (second from left) award Dexter High School as the 2009 Southeast Missouri Youth Initiative Champions for their creative and effective safety belt campaign. Dexter students were awarded a trophy, Arrive Alive items, and will be featured on a safety PSA/commercial on KFVS12. Many area schools have recently shown an interest in participating in seat belt safety competitions during the spring. With proms and graduations, and other summer activities right around the corner, thought it would be good to have a spring competition to help remind students to buckle up, in an effort to reduce fatalities. And, with a large majority of Southeast teens unfortunately still choosing to not buckle-up, wanted to give area schools another opportunity to remind their teens of the importance of buckling up. This year, launched a brand new competition called the 2009 Southeast Missouri Youth Initiative. This competition was designed solely for the Southeast Missouri schools. Twelve area schools participated in this new program. Each school was asked to implement educational elements to their student bodies for three weeks straight. Schools were given various Arrive Alive items and other tools to help aid in the educational process but the creative side was left to each school. The purpose of the program was simple: find creative ways to get your students to hear and see the buckle up messages every day for three weeks a constant message to remind them to buckle up. Each school was then asked to report back at the end of the three-week educational campaign. Schools reported back in various ways some schools made scrapbooks of all their events, others made videos, daily reports, etc. Each educational campaign was then judged by a panel of local safety experts and coalition members to determine the most creative and effective educational campaigns in the Southeast. Out of the 12 schools that participated, the top three most creative and effective campaigns were chosen as the 2009 Youth Initiative winners. Dexter High School won the grand prize receiving a first place trophy, Arrive Alive goodies, and will be featured in an upcoming public service announcement (PSA/ commercial) to be aired on KFVS12 television. Second place went to Woodland High School and third place to Neelyville High School. Woodland and Neelyville High Schools received trophies and Arrive Alive goodies to utilize at their schools. MSHP Sgt. Dale Moreland (far right) and Senior Community Relations Specialist Belinda McMurry (far left) present Woodland High School with a trophy for placing second in the 2009 Southeast Missouri Youth Initiative. Woodland students were also given Arrive Alive items to utilize at their school. Senior Community Relations Specialist Belinda McMurry (far left) present Neelyville High School with a trophy for placing third in the 2009 Southeast Missouri Youth Initiative. Neelyville students were also given Arrive Alive items to utilize at their school. Lifesavers Conference 2009, along with Missourians from other regions, were well represented at the 2009 Lifesavers Conference in Nashville. MoDOT employees and Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety members were just a few of the Missourians that were in attendance. Lifesavers is one of the premier national highway safety meetings in the United States dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries on our nation s roadways. Starting in the early 1980s, the conference attendance has grown steadily, drawing over 2,000 participants in Each year, the conference has become even more relevant Community Relations Manager Nicole Thieret Phone N. Main Street P.O. Box 160 Sikeston, MO and timely, providing a forum that delivers common-sense solutions to today s critical highway safety problems. The conference offers the latest information on advances in highway safety and draws attention to emerging safety issues. Missourians attend Lifesavers Conference A Note of Thanks... On April 7, 2009, we were southbound on I-55, on our way from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to outside North Little Rock, Arkansas. We had driven through the construction area south of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, when our tire blew out. We pulled off to the side of the road and contacted AAA to arrange for someone to repair the rear tire on the passenger side of our car. While we waited for a call back with arrangements, my husband started to take the suitcases out of our trunk, when I noticed several construction zone workers crossing the median from the northbound construction area, heading our way. I also noticed a construction vehicle pulling up behind our car. Consequently, the construction crew changed our tire, and gave us directions to where to get the doughnut replaced with a new tire in Sikeston, Missouri. We really appreciated the assistance. Thank you. Karen & Cal Mook Cedar Rapids, Iowa District 10 Retirees Malcolm Babb retired June 1 after 31 years with MoDOT. Babb will retire as a Maintenance Crew Leader. Norman Cole retired June 1 after 30 years with MoDOT. Cole will retire as a Maintenance Crew Leader. Noble Nelson retired May 1 after 23 years with MoDOT. Nelson was a Maintenance Supervisor. 15

16 The mission of is to be a monthly source of Missouri Department of Transportation news and feature articles that connect employees statewide. It is distributed to MoDOT employees and retirees. Community Relations Missouri Department of Transportation P. O. Box 270 Jefferson City, MO ASK MODOT Comments & Suggestions We would like to hear from you. Send comments and suggestions to Laura Holloway, editor Additional copies are available upon request. Suggestions, questions and comments are always welcome. Please share this publication and recycle it after reading. Missouri Department of Transportation Community Relations 105 W. Capitol Avenue Jefferson City, MO Return Service Requested PreSort Standard Permit #210 Sedalia, MO Editor Laura Holloway Design Coordinator Dennis Forbis Mission Our mission is to provide a world-class transportation experience that delights our customers and promotes a prosperous Missouri. Rail Improvements Will Mean Faster Service in Missouri by Kristi Jamison Even the steady outbursts of rain couldn t dampen the spirits of the individuals who attended a groundbreaking ceremony for rail improvements in California, Mo. on April 27. The project will improve the reliability of Amtrak service and the flow of freight rail traffic in Missouri, thanks to a stronger Many dignitaries came out to celebrate the groundbreaking for a rail improvement project in California including, from left to right, District 5 Engineer Roger Schwartze, Amtrak official John Bueschel; Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Chair Mike Kehoe; Union Pacific official Joe Bateman, Chief Engineer Kevin Keith, Multimodal Operations Director Brian Weiler, Union Pacific official Ben Jones and Dr. James Noble of the University of Missouri s Engineering School. public/private partnership between MoDOT, Union Pacific and Amtrak. We heard loud and clear that Missourians had to have better, more reliable train service, said Brian Weiler, director of Multimodal Operations. So many passenger rail advocates worked hard to make this project a reality, and it will hopefully lead to more and larger improvements along the St. Louis to KC corridor. Shaun Schmitz The new rail siding project consists of a track built alongside the existing rail line where trains can pass each other. When complete, it will allow Missouri River Runner Amtrak trains to pass freight trains at this location, reducing delays by nearly 17 percent. The new $8.1 million railroad side track, funded by a $5 million appropriation by the Missouri General Assembly and a $3.1 million federal grant, will be built just west of California. The mile- and three-quarters-long side track will help unclog a major bottleneck caused by a 25-mile stretch of single track in this area. The St. Louis to Kansas City rail corridor has experienced steady growth in freight rail traffic over the years. Currently about 25 freight trains pass through the corridor each day along with the four daily trips made by Missouri River Runner. The location of the project was selected based on recommendations of a University of Missouri study conducted for MoDOT in The study determined where investments could be made on the rail corridor to improve speed and efficiency. The California site was ranked as the first choice among three bottlenecks on the rail line between Kansas City and Jefferson City. The other two locations are at Knob Noster and Strasburg. MoDOT s Multimodal Division will apply for Recovery Act funds this summer to help pay for the other projects. Together, with this and other planned projects and significant investments made recently by Union Pacific Railroad, we are turning around what was once one of the lesser performing corridors to one of the best performing corridors in the country, Weiler said. The project is expected to be complete in December. Improved and additional rail capacity benefits everyone. It allows freight rail service to grow, helping to build a cleaner environment because freight train emissions are one-third as much as trucks. Motorists also benefit from reduced congestion on America s highways since a single intermodal train can remove up to 300 trucks off our roads. MoDOT, Amtrak Celebrate Improving Service with New Image by Kristi Jamison The on-time performance of Amtrak has significantly improved in the past year. This improvement can be directly linked to capital investments being made by MoDOT and Union Pacific Railroad to increase capacity and velocity on the St. Louis to Kansas City corridor. Amtrak performance during the first 10 months of 2008 was pretty dismal, coming in on time only about 62 percent of the time. During November, the on-time performance of Amtrak trains on the St. Louis to Kansas City corridor began to turn around, jumping to 76 percent and then to 79 percent in Missouri riverrunner an amtrak service December Then, by the first quarter of 2009, the passenger train was averaging a 96 percent on-time rate. In celebration of improving performance, increasing ridership and 30 years of state sponsorship, MoDOT and Amtrak held a Name the Train contest last winter. A new name, Missouri River Runner, was selected by Missourians in January and is now being used to re-brand the passenger rail service in Missouri. Make Tracks Across Missouri St. Louis to Kansas City (Includes Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee s Summit, and Independence) 50% Off Companion Fare Valid for travel through December 16, USA-RAIL Amtrak.com Use Discount Code V665 Restrictions Apply In May, the department unveiled a new logo, which will be used as a key element in a statewide marketing campaign aimed at generating new excitement for the Missouri River Runner.

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